There’s a lot going on in Clarksville these days, and a lot to be proud of. Here are the top things to take note of this month, courtesy of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council.
1. Our growing entertainment scene
Just over one year ago, on July 15, 2023, over 4,000 people gathered for the public opening of F&M Bank Arena.
Since then, the arena has hosted 51 events, 39 basketball games, and has been nominated for a 2024 Pollstar Award. The arena has sold 100,000 tickets, generating $5 million in revenue. Plus, the arena’s Ford Ice Center has seen over 350,000 visitors.
Congratulations to F&M Bank Arena on its first full year of operations!
2. Our vibrant growing downtown
As EDC President and CEO Buck Dellinger has said, “A place worth visiting is a community you want to live in.” To that end, local leaders and daring entrepreneurs have brought downtown Clarksville back to life with unique new businesses, large and small.
Our success was recently celebrated in an article by Capital Analytics Associates, saying, “A string of development successes and a targeted approach to growth are spurring eye-catching results in Clarksville, putting Tennessee’s fifth largest city on the map as both a future economic hub and a model city for the nation.”
This isn’t by accident. It is in part the result of an intentional focus by the EDC on finding ways to tangibly enhance Clarksville’s quality of place.
“The EDC vision is to increase our commercial attractiveness with premium shopping and restaurants, and drive development to attract new citizens with job opportunities, attainable housing and critical amenities like quality schools and childcare,” said Dellinger.
3. Youth Academy Industrial Childcare Center
An innovative new Industrial Childcare Center opened recently in the Industrial Park, providing childcare services from an 18-acre site to nearby employees.
The center, operated by The Youth Academy, offers 800 full-time slots, with 400 of those discounted at 15% for industrial park and military affiliated families. The first day of operation was Aug. 5, and it is open 5 a.m. to midnight.
4. Discover Clarksville with the A-Z Guide
Visit Clarksville has been busy recently presenting new ways to engage with the community. In June, they published “Discover Clarksville With This A-Z Guide,” a fun alphabetical dive into all the things that make Clarksville special.
5. Our Chamber of Commerce: stronger together
The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce recently released a highlights video showcasing several Chamber members and what they Chamber does for them.
The Chamber provides access, credibility, networking and the tools/resources and support to help your business grow. In Clarksville, local businesses are stronger together. Chamber members have stronger image, results, networking, marketing, resources and discounts, credibility, training, advocacy and community presence.